American publishers
Identifying Simon & Schuster first editions
How Simon & Schuster marked its first printings
c. 1924 – 1950s
Often no statement; first printings identified by the absence of later-printing notices (later printings are sometimes noted).
c. 1950s – 1970s
Some books carry 'First Printing'; practice was not uniform.
c. 1970s – present
Number lines (often split); 'First Edition' may be retained on later printings, so the lowest number decides.
Reading the number line
Where Simon & Schuster prints a number line (a row such as 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1), the printer removes the lowest number at each new printing. The lowest number you can see is therefore the printing: a first printing shows 1. Split lines such as 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 work the same way; look for the 1 anywhere in the row.
What the edition statement means
This house is known to have left its first-edition statement in place on some later printings, particularly once number lines were in use. Treat the statement as a starting point only: the lowest number in the number line is the better evidence.
Common pitfalls
- Split number lines like '1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2': any missing 1 means a later printing.
Book-club editions
- A small blind-stamp (dot, circle, square or maple leaf) pressed into the lower corner of the rear board.
- No price on the front jacket flap, often with 'Book Club Edition' printed on the flap.
- Book-club copies are frequently slightly smaller, on thinner paper, with cheaper paper-covered boards.
Checking a copy in hand
- Read the entire copyright page, including small type at the foot, for any later-printing notice.
- Find the number line, if any, and note the lowest number.
- Compare the copyright date with any title-page date; on a first printing they normally agree.
- Check the jacket flap for a price and the rear board for a blind-stamp.
- For valuable titles, confirm title-specific points in a descriptive bibliography.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell if a Simon & Schuster book is a first edition?
Simon & Schuster's practice changed several times; the number line is usually the most reliable guide for modern books. c. 1924 – 1950s: Often no statement; first printings identified by the absence of later-printing notices (later printings are sometimes noted). c. 1950s – 1970s: Some books carry 'First Printing'; practice was not uniform. c. 1970s – present: Number lines (often split); 'First Edition' may be retained on later printings, so the lowest number decides.
Does a Simon & Schuster number line start at 1?
Generally yes. When Simon & Schuster uses a number line, the lowest number shown is usually the printing, so a first printing includes 1.
Does "First Edition" on a Simon & Schuster copyright page guarantee a first printing?
This house is known to have left its first-edition statement in place on some later printings, particularly once number lines were in use. Treat the statement as a starting point only: the lowest number in the number line is the better evidence.
How can I spot a Simon & Schuster book-club edition?
A small blind-stamp (dot, circle, square or maple leaf) pressed into the lower corner of the rear board. No price on the front jacket flap, often with 'Book Club Edition' printed on the flap. Book-club copies are frequently slightly smaller, on thinner paper, with cheaper paper-covered boards.
What are the common mistakes with Simon & Schuster first editions?
Split number lines like '1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2': any missing 1 means a later printing.
Sources of known practice
- Zempel & Verkler, First Editions: A Guide to Identification (compiles publishers' own statements of practice)
- Bill McBride, A Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions
Practice varied between imprints and over time; dates given are approximate. This is guidance, not an appraisal.
Have a Simon & Schuster book in front of you?